About Seeds of Wellness

Singing Bowl Benefits

The origin of singing bowls are unknown, but some historians believe they originated in either Nepal or India. “In Tibet they were largely used as a ceremonial instrument and initially as possible food bowls. It was not until the 1970s that singing bowls also became popular throughout the west when their many positive benefits were discovered.”*

Common names of singing bowls include Tibetan, Himalayan and crystal (made of crystal) singing bowls

How to Play Singing Bowls

Played singing bowls by holding them in the palm of your hand, sitting on a special pillow/donut or sitting on a ring.

Ancient Tibetan singing bowl

While holding the mallet low on the handle, firmly press it against the outside rim of the bowl and move the mallet in a slow circular clockwise motion. The circular motion works best if you use your arm as well as your wrist. Some signing bowls sing when the circular motion of the mallet contactsthe outside belly of the bowl.

Gently striking the bowl near the rim will also create a wonderful sound. Some people like to strike the bowl and then start the slow circular motion with the mallet. Practice different speeds to learn the speed that causes the sound to rise and grow to it’s fullest volume. If you hear a rattling sound, slow down and apply a consistent even pressure as you move the mallet around the rim.

Benefits of Singing Bowls*

Promote Deep Relaxation – While becoming conscious of your breathing as you play your singing bowl, the sound helps you relax and become calm.

Provide Pain Relief – “One of the available studies is a report from the Swiss journal Research in Complementary Medicine. For the study, 54 people with chronic pain originating from the spine were assigned to either six sessions of singing bowl therapy, a placebo treatment, or no treatment at all.

Study
results showed that members of the singing bowl group and the placebo
group experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity. The
study’s authors also found that both the singing bowl therapy and the
placebo therapy had a stress-reducing effect on participants.

Given these findings, the study’s authors concluded that singing bowl therapy’s effectiveness for pain relief could not be confirmed.”**

Reduce Stress and Anxiety – By listening to the pulsating tone of the singing bowl as you play it, your mind may become clear. You feel more at peace because the calming tones feel good and relaxing.

Balance the Chakras – The sound vibrations from the singing bowl naturally balance all the chakras and remove energy blocks. By balancing your chakras, it promotes healing and removes dis-ease in the body. When all your body cells and organs vibrate in harmony, your body returns to a healthy state.

Aid the Immune System
– It is believed that the sound vibrations stimulate our immune
system by improving the energy flow in our body.

Increase Mental Clarity – While playing a singing bowl, your brainwaves switch to the Theta frequencies, and your thoughts become clearer and better focused. These brainwaves also help you become more aware of your body/mind connection. Some people receive intuitive messages while playing their singing bowl.

Improve Circulation and Blood Flow – “A preliminary study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2014 examined the benefits of starting a directed relaxation session with 12 minutes of singing bowls and found a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to silence before a directed relaxation session.”**

For centuries, many cultures used singing bowls during meditation and healing sessions. “’If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies. One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.’

The evidence for climate change is getting harder and harder to refute. NASA satellite monitoring has shown that carbon dioxide levels stand at about 400 parts per million. Before 1950, that level had never been higher than 300 parts per million, reflecting a precipitous increase in the buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases that trap heat. Many homeowners are responding to the crisis by looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Many of the most fundamental materials used in home construction and renovations are made of toxic components that are known to be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are many green-friendly changes you can make in your home that are also friendly to your budget.

Pay close attention to the composition of things like insulation, carpeting, and paints. If they’re high in volatile organic compounds and harmful chemicals, replace them with alternatives that minimize or eliminate substances that find their way into the ecosystem and break down the fragile balance of nature. If you’re concerned that going green means going off the grid and swearing off dairy and red meats, relax. You can be an environmentally sensitive homeowner and still lead a comfortable life in an attractive home.

Insulation

Insulation is one of those things you don’t think about, but you certainly notice when it’s ineffective. That’s why so many homeowners are content with traditional fiberglass insulation (as long as their homes are warm and their heating bills are under control). However, small fiberglass particles that break away pose a serious indoor air quality threat and escape into the atmosphere—children are especially vulnerable. Look for a safer option, such as GreenFiber Cocoon, which is made of recycled newspaper and treated with a flame-retardant substance. Best of all for retrofitters, it can be blown through walls via small holes.

Carpeting

Homeowners also tend to overlook the toxic effects of carpeting, even though it contains a host of carcinogens, like toluene, formaldehyde, benzene, and styrene, which have been proven lethal in laboratory animal studies. In humans, these chemicals can cause respiratory problems and even nerve damage. You can protect the environment and your home’s indoor air quality with floor coverings made from natural, recyclable fibers, such as jute, rush, or even seagrass.

Paint

Enamel and other commonly used house paints contain toxic solvents that may produce headaches, dizziness, and labored breathing, particularly in people who struggle with allergies and asthma problems. They also contribute to widespread atmospheric pollution. Consider replacing enamel-based paints with alternatives made from safe, natural products like clay, water, bee’s wax, plant dyes, natural oils, or chalk. If you’re uncertain whether a product is environmentally safe, look for the Green Seal stamp, meaning it’s been certified by a nationwide nonprofit organization.

Ceiling Fans

Inefficient heating and cooling is a problem in many homes, especially those with aging HVAC units. Ceiling fans are an excellent year-round investment because they can blow warm air down to floor level during the cold months and circulate cool air during the summer. They’re relatively easy to install, which makes them good candidates for remodeling and home upgrades. Most importantly, they can substantially reduce heating and cooling costs. If you’re looking for a more ambitious home-heating option, check into solar panels. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average price to install solar panels ranges from $15,513 to $29,016.

Grassroots Change

Environmentally responsible community action can take many forms. Composting and community gardens are excellent ways to produce sustainable, healthy food (they’re also a good way to get some exercise and fresh air). Community-wide recycling has also become a popular activity in recent years. In fact, neighborhood recycling drives are pretty commonplace these days.

Environmental responsibility begins at home. Using products made from natural materials can protect our environment as well as your family from dangerous chemicals. Just bear in mind that it’s easier to take it a step at a time than to try and change everything at once.

At least once a year in November we celebrate what we are thankful for in our lives. Why is this important and should we be doing it more than once or twice a year?

What is Gratitude?

According to the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude, Robert Emmons, there are two key components to gratitude. “First, it’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good thing in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received. …The second part of gratitude is figuring out where that goodness comes from. We recognize the sources of this goodness as being outside of ourselves.”*

What Are The Benefits of Being Grateful?

There are 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude**:

“Gratitude opens the door to more relationships” – by saying “thank you” to others, it shows we appreciate them. Many times, saying “thank you” can lead to new opportunities.

“Gratitude improves physical health” – according to a 2012 study, people who are thankful take better care of their health and have few aches and pains.

“Gratitude increases mental strength” – many studies over the years prove that being thankful and showing gratitude makes the person more resilient, quicker to over come trauma and have lower stress levels.

Ways to Explore Gratitude

Keep a gratitude journal – every night before going to bed write down a couple of sentences about one or two things you’re grateful for today.

Write a thank you note – thank a person for something they do which improves your life and send it to them or give it to them personally. You may consider writing a thank you note to yourself.

Mediate – as you clear your mind, focus on something you are grateful for like the warmth of the sun, your pet(s), a favorite food, etc.

Pray – say prayers of gratitude, thanking the divine for people and things you have in your life that bring you happiness.

Say thank you to someone – tell a person “thank you” even if it is a stranger who held the door open for you.

Like any new habit, taking time to be grateful everyday will not come easy at first and the benefits not seen right away. However, the more you do it, the easier it will become and the more you will see the benefits it has on your life.

Get support and encouragement to be grateful and show gratitude by joining Seeds of Wellness’ free “Sharing Gratitude Group” that meets the second Saturday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30am. We will share what we are thankful for in our lives, talk about our struggles to be grateful and discuss the benefits we are noticing as we explore reasons for gratitude. See the dates for this group in our Google Calendar on our Events and Services page.

Of all the stones we carry at Seeds of Wellness, there are more varieties of jasper than any other gemstone. However, jasper is actually in the quartz family.

Jasper, meaning ‘spotted stone’ in Greek, can be found in virtually any color and even multicolored. These gemstones can be striped, spotted or flamed in appearance. Scientists classify Jasper in its own category due to the distinctive grainy structure. Twenty percent of jasper’s density can be made of foreign materials causing the stone to be rarely uniform. As an opaque stone, the most common patterns include spots, streaks, rings, marbling, veining, flaming and banding.

Many places in the world contain jasper gemstones, but the most notable deposits are found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela. If you want to hunt for jasper in America the best states to find these stones include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

Throughout history, jasper has been worn by priests, kings, warriors and shamans. Egyptians buried Red Jasper with mummified remains to provide safe passage into the after life. Native Americans used jasper to help bring rain. Jasper was also used to carve other gemstones like carnelian and lapis lazuli.

Red is the most common color of jasper due to the iron oxide in the stone. Other common colors are brown and yellow. While unicolored jasper is extremely rare, it has occurred. Jasper is associated with the zodiac signs Aries (Bloodstone), Aquarius (Rainforest Jasper), Capricorn (Ocean Jasper), Leo (Picture Jasper), Libra (Bloodstone) and Pisces (Ocean Jasper) and is the stone for October (jasper) and February (Bloodstone). Jasper names come from the color, similarities to places and animals, from the regions where they were mined or for the name of the person who discovered them.

While the energy of jasper varies from one jasper stone to another, the ‘supreme nurturer’ fits for all jasper stones as well as the ability to balance and stabilize the root chakra’s energy. Jasper also provides protection by absorbing negative energy and banishing harmful thoughts.

Due to jasper’s durability, it can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to rinse the gemstones well to remove all the soap. Do not use any harsh chemicals on jasper stones, because they are porous and easily stained and discolored.

More than 200 years old, homeopathy is based on the idea that specific natural substances are able to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms, resulting in self healing. Although homeopathy is the second most used form of medicine worldwide, allopathic or traditional medicine is most common in the U.S.

Homeopathy

The foundation of homeopathy is “like treats like and less is more.” To prevent causing or increasing symptoms, the ingredients are highly diluted to remind the body to heal itself. Vaccination and allergy shots are a form of homeopathy. As long as the right homeopathic remedy is taken, healing will occur. It can take time to find the natural ingredients that match all the symptoms and promote healing within the body.

Safety

Homeopathy is safe and normally based on natural ingredients. It works in harmony with the body and is not addictive. Once relief is felt, the treatment is stopped because homeopathy addresses the cause, not the symptoms. Homeopathic medications are safe for ages 2 and up.

It is recommended that children under 2 years old and women who are pregnant or nursing consult a health care professional before starting a homeopathic medication.

FDA-Regulated

Homeopathic medicines are prepared and marketed in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Compliance Policy Guide No. 7132.15. Manufacturers of homeopathic medicines are registered with the FDA and licensed by state regulatory agencies.

Homeopathic products are required legally to tell you the benefits and indications of such products, unlike supplements which cannot. The FDA does require that homeopathic remedies meet certain legal standards for strength, purity, and packaging. Only products for self-limiting conditions (minor health problems like a cold or headache that go away on their own) can be sold without a prescription. Most natural products and vitamins are not FDA-Regulated.

Homeopathic medication treats the whole person unlike traditional medication. Many natural ingredients treat a variety of symptoms. However, no one knows exactly how homeopathy works. Some homeopathic medications work quickly, while others require regular use before healing is noticed.

Seeds of Wellness carries homeopathic medications made by Sprayology to their store. These sprays are FDA-regulated, doctor formulated and work faster and more completely than pills. Since you spray them under your tongue, they are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Stop in or call to learn more about homeopathic oral sprays by Sprayology.

I was writing a blog about pendulums for this month, but with the latest problems Mystic, our four-legged employee, is having, I decided to let you know about her struggles instead. I will complete the pendulum blog later in the month, so watch our website for the post after October 19.

On Monday, September 30, 2013, Mystic couldn’t get up. I put a sling under her belly to help her stand up and support her as she walked in order for her to go outside that morning. Watching her struggle and silently deal with pain made my heart cry.

Mystic ruptured a ligament in her left knee about two month prior to this, so Lynne and I feared that her knee would no longer support her 67 lb. body. Of course, Seeds of Wellness didn’t open that day since we focused all our energy and attention on Mystic. As soon as the doctor’s office opened, I called for the earliest appointment. Getting her into the car was easy, but getting her out was another story.

Several vet techs came to the car to see how they could help Mystic get out without hurting her. Luckily, my Honda Fit’s back seats fold up, which allow Mystic to lie on the floor of the car. Having more room to move around, allowed the vet techs to get the sling under Mystic, lift up her back legs and get her out one of the doors. I laughed to myself as I watched her look behind her body at the sling and vet tech while her front legs moved her forward without her back legs touching the ground. It was obvious that she didn’t know what to make of this situation.

Nervously, Lynne and I sat waiting for the vet. Lynne was sick all night and still not feeling well, so this kept her mind off her own issues. The vet tech put a large black foam cushion down on the floor for Mystic to lie on instead of the slippery tile. During the exam the vet tech tried to hold her down while the doctor manipulated her hips and legs.

Mystic’s pain became obvious when she nipped at the vet tech while struggling to get away. For the first time, Mystic had to be muzzled. I kept my tears back as I watched the vet tech hold her down while the doctor continued to move her back left leg, knee and hip. They lifted her up with the sling to see how much weight she could support, watch her gate as she walked and check her ability to feel her paw placement.

The one thing the doctor knew for sure, the inflammation in Mystic’s left knee and hip didn’t allow her to put any weight on the leg. Mystic’s other back leg didn’t have the strength to completely support her as she stood or walked. Everyone decided to have Mystic stay there for pain treatment and to be evaluated in the morning by her main doctor, who didn’t work on Mondays.

Later in the day, I called to see if there was any change, but there wasn’t. Mystic was receiving ice treatments on her back hip and knee and given an inflammation and pain medication. Due to Mystic’s seizure and thyroid issues, the medications available for her are limited.

Tuesday morning I received a call from her main doctor. Mystic showed some improvement, but still needed help to stand with the sling and supported when walking long distances. To help Mystic get back on her feet, the vet suggested Adequan injections, to reduce the inflammation and arthritic pain in Mystic’s left hip due to the hip dysplasia. The injections also promote cartilage formation to help increase healing. With Mystic’s limited mobility, continuation of the ice treatments and the Adequan injection, she stayed at the vets another day.

The afternoon phone call came with encouragement. Mystic was walking short distances with no support and improved mobility. She still needed help getting up, however. Her doctor also added Vetri-E.N.S.E.D., a natural herbal supplement for pain, inflammation, mobility and flexibility, to her medication list. This news helps lift my spirit. By now I missed Mystic so much and felt lost without her. Even the store felt empty and lifeless to me.

By Wednesday morning, I couldn’t wait to call the doctor to see if Mystic could come home. I drove there as quickly as possible and felt so much joy in the examination room that I started to cry. They couldn’t bring Mystic in fast enough, and from the other side of the door; I could tell that they were having a hard time holding her back. My heart skipped a beat when I saw one vet tech holding Mystic’s lease while another supported her back legs with the sling. “Oh no, am I doing the right thing?” I asked myself as I knelt down to pet and hug Mystic.

The joy in Mystic’s eyes when she saw me washed all doubts away. The vet’s slippery tile floors made it difficult for her to walk to the car even with the support of the sling. Once in the car, she quickly settled in for the ride.

We arrived at Seeds of Wellness, parked by the door and I prayed that I could get Mystic out of the car. By the time I got to the passenger door, she was already sitting up and waiting for me to open it. Using the sling, I got her easily out of the car, into the store and back by the water dish. Since she was standing without much support from the sling, I removed it and headed out of the store to bring in the rest of the items.

Surprise! I opened the store door and Mystic was looking up at me. She slowly got up to let me into the store and get ready for the day. Our normal routine included going over to the liquor store for treats and the mail. Mystic easily followed me and even tried to run. I took the sling with me in case she needed help and smiled as she received her treats and plenty of love.

I did use the sling to help her up, and we headed back to Seeds of Wellness. The warm weather allowed me to keep the front door open. Mystic quickly laid on the cool sidewalk enjoying the freedom from the vet kennel. I knew she would be fine when I realized she got up and walked over to the liquor store for more treats by herself. I found her behind the counter, lying near the treat bag.

The owner of the liquor store said, “Mystic has us all hoodwinked into thinking she can’t walk. This is her second time in here for treats.”

I didn’t even know she had snuck over there before this because she came back to the front of the store so quickly. Any doubts I had about her quality of life were gone now.

The Adequan shots continue once a week for four weeks. The pain and inflammation medication is taken as needed, which so far means daily. Vetri-E.N.S.E.D is now part of Mystic’s normal medication routine. She continues to get stronger, but the doctor said there will always be a limp and problems with the left leg.

I will continue to do what I can within my financial limitations for Mystic’s quality of life. At 12 years old, I know that Mystic’s health will someday require me to make a decision. Until then, I hope all of you enjoy seeing Mystic at Seeds of Wellness. You may have to go to her to say hello since her main activity now is sleeping.